Valenti's story is quintessentially American. Born into a poor immigrant family, he scraped earnings together to pay for night college and flew B-52s in WWII. His determination and intelligence earned him success in two fields: national politics and moviemaking. Arthur Morey's smooth narration allows Valenti's vivid storytelling to shine. With precise yet graceful articulation, Morey portrays Valenti's inside stories of President Lyndon Johnson and various Hollywood stars. Valenti was present when LBJ was sworn into office at the side of Mrs. Kennedy on Air Force One, and his account is memorable. Morey provides a straight reading of most of the book, yielding in places to subtle impersonations of some iconic voices, ranging from JFK to Marlon Brando.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2007
Duration: 17 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
James Michener tells the real stories behind the man and his books. The recording is read with skill and consistency although the reader does little to enhance the robust, larger-than-life incidents related in the book. Due to the first-person narrative format, there is no opportunity for the narrator to change his voice. This makes some chapters monotonous as they go on and on in the typical Michener style. The listener may also become confused because the stories are not told chronologically. This is not a great choice for the audio format, but Michener fans may stick with it to the end.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In a quest for a sense of inner contentment and self-worth, Gloria Steinem brings the reader on a journey of investigation and discovery. Steinem reads the text herself in a straightforward and friendly, but not intimate, presentation which is so easy to listen to it invites repetition--thus ensuring the painless relearning of the lessons of the book. It's difficult to tell from the reading that this audiobook is abridged; each section can stand alone. Nonetheless, the listener wished the book were unabridged. Steinem left me wanting to learn more.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Dove Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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